26-12-2016

Following the big win over The Golden State Warriors LeBron James took it to instagram to introduce his 14th signature shoe by saying “Sorry guys for the wait but better late than never and great things are worth waiting for.” We still don’t know when we get to validate that claim since there’s no release date attached to Nike’s press release.

But we do finally get to inspect the 14’s. I applaud Nike to being able to keep them under wraps until the very end. Additionally, 24 hours before the tip off they threw a misdirection by posting the Christmas version of the Soldier 10, but turns out that was for Tristan Thompson.

The LeBron XIV has a simple construction and it’a a mashup of current trends and technologies. That’s ok, but what I’m missing most here is lack of signature elements that were always articulated within the Nike LeBron series. With the 14’s we only get signature tabs and straps. And there’s was a rumor about the straps being similar to LeBron 2’s mismatched Swoosh and NIKE signs, but in the debut both have Swoosh.

As for the technology involved, LeBrons used to push the envelope, but the biggest innovation here is the combination of maximum volume Zoom Air units and hex pods. The first hex pod setup used in LeBron 12’s was too stiff, which got better with the 13’s and I expect the ultimate solution here. There’s no posite on the upper so the 13’s biggest flaw goes away instantly. All I hope is that the bootie construction won’t be as tight as KD’s and that the laces and the strap actually do have a purpose.

We’ll find out soon enough, I guess. What’s your first impression about the LeBron 14 so far?